Measuring tape holding tool

ABSTRACT

A holder and guide for a measuring tape and a process of making and using the holder. The holder is made up of a hollow tube having a rectangular cross section. The tube has a slit or gap running the length of the tube to enable a measuring tape to be inserted. A magnet is attached to an exterior portion of the tube. The holder enables a user to insert any portion of a measuring tape inside the tube without having to insert the end of the tape measure therein. The holder facilitates in making measurements using a measuring tape, especially when a long distance is being measured and it is inconvenient to insert an end of the measuring tape through the guide to secure a middle portion of the measuring tape during measurement. The holder also has a magnet that attaches the holder to metallic objects enabling a single user to more easily make measurements using a measuring tape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention pertains to a device for holding a middle portionof a tape measure in place while making measurements.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Tape measures can often be lengthy. Their length can be as muchas several hundred feet in length. The tape may be rolled up as a coilwithin the tape measuring case when the tape measure is not in use. Whenin use, the end of the tape is pulled and the tape is extracted from thecase.

[0005] Tape measures come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Tapemeasures can be made of metal, fiberglass or cloth. The leading end ofthe tape can have a small, right angled piece of metal attached theretoenabling the user to grip the tape and enabling the end of the tape tobe placed on an edge of a structure like a table top when measuring thedimensions of an object. The other end of the tape measure may be coiledtape inside the case and is carried by the measurer. A problem occurswhen the user wishes to measure long distances using a tape measure.Although the small piece of metal at the end of the tape can be securedon an edge of an object, and the other end can be carried by themeasurer, a problem occurs in that the middle portions of the tape canmove during measurement, especially if the distance being measured isvery large. This is because the tape is flexible, and when measuringlong distances, the tape often bends and wobbles thereby adding to thedifficulty in obtaining an accurate measurement for a long distances.

[0006] What is needed is one or more holders that can secure in betweenportions of the tape measure between the ends of the tape when making ameasurement. The holder is to be tube shaped, but having a slit toenable a middle portion of the tape to be inserted into the holder,instead of requiring an end portion of the tape to be fed through theholder while measuring to secure in between portions of the measuringtape in place when making large measurements. Furthermore, what isneeded is a magnet attached to the tape holder(s) to allow the tapeholder and thus the tape to be attached to a metallic object duringmeasurements. Such metal objects could be a steel beam on the roof ofthe structure, a metal object, or a metal wall, floor or roof such asthose found in metal shops or ships. Such holder or holders will enablethe user to more easily make measurements using a tape measure in anydirection, whether it is up and down or across the floor or ceiling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aholder for a tape measure that can secure in place a middle portion ofthe tape measure when a large measurement is taken by a tape measure.

[0008] It is further an object of the present invention to provide anopening in the holder to allow the tape measure to be inserted into theholder without having to feed through the end of the tape measure intothe holder.

[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a magnetattached to the holder to secure the holder and thus the tape measure tometallic objects and structures.

[0010] It is still an object of the present invention to provide aholder or a plurality of holders to enable easier measurements using atape measure in all directions, such as up and down, or across aceiling, floor or some other structure.

[0011] It is also an object of the present invention to provide aprocess for making the tape measure holder.

[0012] It is further an object of the present invention to provide amethod for using the tape measure holder to measure distances in avariety of directions.

[0013] These and other objects can be achieved by a guide or holder fora tape measure. Either the end of the tape measure can be insertedthrough the guide or the tape measure can be inserted into the guidethrough a slit that runs the entire length of the guide. The guide isessentially tubular in structure to guide a tape measure that runswithin the tube. One side of the tube has a slit opening along theentire length of the guide for insertion of a middle portion of a tapemeasure into the guide or holder. Further, the holder or guide has amagnet attached thereto. The magnet can be used for attaching the guideto a metallic object such as a beam, a pipe or a sheet or piece of metalthereby securing a portion of the tape measure in place. By having amiddle portion of the tape measure inserted into the guide, measurementsof long distances by a tape measure becomes much more simpler and morereliable as the tape is not as likely to bend, wobble or move during thecourse of making a measurement. Attachment of the holder by the magnetto vertical metal structures like a pipe or horizontal structures like abeam makes vertical measurements or horizontal measurements along aceiling using a tape measure much more easier, quicker and morereliable, especially if only one person is available to make themeasurement. The novel guide can be used with tape measures made ofvarious materials such as metal, cloth or fiberglass.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A more complete appreciation of the invention, and many of theattendant advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similarcomponents, wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 illustrates a completely assembled tape measure holderguide according to the principles of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 illustrates the tape measure holder guide of FIG. 1 guidinga tape measure according to the principles of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 illustrates a end view of the tape measure holder guideguiding a tape measure according to the principles of the presentinvention;

[0018]FIG. 4 illustrates the tape measure holder part of the tapemeasure holder guide of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 5 illustrates the magnet holder part of the tape measureholder guide of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 6 illustrates the magnet found in the tape measure holderguide of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 7 illustrates one of many uses for the tape measure holderpart for making a vertical measurement; and

[0022]FIG. 8 illustrates another use for the novel tape measure holderfor measuring a horizontal distance along a ceiling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023]FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a fully assembled tape measure guide10 according to the principles of the present invention. The tapemeasure guide 10 is made up of measuring tape holder part 20, magnetholder 50 and magnet 75. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, measuring tapeholder part 20 is essentially a rectangular-shaped tube with a rightside 35, a left side 37, a bottom side 40 and a top side 27. The topside has a slit opening 45 along a length of the top side 27 ofmeasuring tape holder part 20. The top side 27 therefore has a right topportion 25 and a left top portion 30 divided by slit 45. The tape holderpart 20 may be of some other cross sectional shape, but rectangular ispreferred.

[0024] Attached to the left side 37 of measuring tape holder part 20 isa U-shaped magnet holder part 50. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, themagnet holder part 50 has a top side 60, a bottom side 55 and a rightside 65. The right side 65 joins the top side 60 with the bottom side 55of magnet holder part 50. The right side 65 of magnet holder part 50 iswelded to the left side 37 of measuring tape holder part 20 by weld 70.Alternatively, the right side 65 of magnet holder part could instead bewelded to right side 35 of measuring tape holder part 20. 1 have foundthat it is not-preferable to weld magnet holder part 50 to the bottomside 40 (the side opposite from slit 45) of tape holder part 20 as thetape measure, in such a configuration, could fall out through the slit45 if the magnet 75 is attached to a metallic ceiling structure such asa metallic beam. Preferably, weld 70 is actually four tack welds of0.125×0.375 inches long and 0.125 inches in from each corner, but otherweld configurations are possible. Magnet holder part 50 is absent a leftside so that magnet 75 can be inserted into magnet holder part 50.

[0025] Magnet 75 is preferably glued to magnet holder part 50 via glueand is also attached to the magnet holder 50 and measuring tape holderpart 20 via screws 80. I have found that absent the screws 80, themagnet 75 would separate from the magnet holder part 50 if tape measureguide 10 is dropped. Therefore, screws 80 and the accompanying screwholes are highly recommended. Holes for screws 80 are drilled throughmagnet 75, through the right side 65 of magnet holder 50 and through theleft side 37 of measuring tape holder 20. The holes drilled in magnetholder 50 and measuring tape holder 20 are preferably via a drill with a#29 drill bit and preferably tapped for a #8 machine screw. The holesdrilled through magnet 75 are often done before assembly in a massproduction environment. Preferably, the diameter of the drill holes are0.187 inches with a 0.12 inch countersink with a 100 degree angle.

[0026]FIG. 2 illustrates tape measure guide 10 of FIG. 1 with tapemeasure 90 disposed within l s measuring tape holder part 20. Tapemeasure 90 may be made of metal, fiberglass or cloth. Tape measure 90 isinserted into measuring tape holder part 20 through slit 45. Slit 45enables tape measure 90 to be inserted within the measuring tape holderpart 20 without requiring an end of the tape measure to be fed throughthe measuring tape holder part 20. This slit 45 feature can come inhandy when the tape measure is very long and the tape measure guide 10is to secure a middle portion of the tape measure 90. In such ascenario, it would be inconvenient to have to feed the tape in throughthe tape holder part 20. Slit 45 prevents the necessity of having tofeed through the entire tape 90 in order for tape measure guide 10 toguide or hold tape 90.

[0027]FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of the tape measure guide 10illustrated in FIG. 1. Like FIG. 2, the tape measure guide 10 is made upof measuring tape holding part 20 with slit 45 extending the length ofthe measuring tape holder part. Magnet holder 50 is attached by welds Wto one of the two external surfaces of the measuring tape holder partthat is adjacent to the portion of the measuring tape holding part thatbears the slit 45. Magnet 75 is disposed within the magnet holder 50 andis permanently attached to the magnet holder 50 and the measuring tapeholding part 20 by screws 80 and glue.

[0028]FIG. 4 illustrates measuring tape holder part 20. FIG. 4illustrates the preferable dimensions of the tape holder part 20. In noway is this invention limited to the exact dimensions illustrated inFIG. 4.

[0029] Preferably, tape holder part 20 is preferably made of 14 gauge A36 steel, however, in no way is this invention limited to the exactmaterials mentioned. For example, the tape holder part 20 could insteadbe made of plastic. Top side 27, bottom side 40, left side 37 and rightside 35 are preferably 2 inches in length. Left side 37 and right side35 are 1.625 inches tall. Bottom side 40 is preferably 1.375 incheswide. Slit 45 is preferably 0.375 inches wide thereby leaving right topside 25 and left top side 30 preferably 0.5 inches wide. Holes 82 forscrews 80 are disposed on a side (37 as illustrated or 35) of the tapeholder part 20 that is adjacent to the side bearing the slit 45 andpreferably not on a side 40 of the tape measuring part that is oppositeto the slit 45. FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred positioning of theholes 82, however, in no way is this invention limited to the exactdimensions listed in FIG. 4.

[0030]FIG. 5 illustrates magnet holder 50. FIG. 5 illustrates thepreferred dimensions of magnet holder 50. Preferably, magnet holder part50 is made of 14 gauge A 36 steel however it is also possible to useplastic. Preferably, top side 60 and bottom side 55 are 2 inches longand 0.5 inches wide. Preferably, right side 65 is 2 inches long and 1.0inch high. Holes 85 are drilled to accommodate the screws 80. Holes 85must line up with and be the same size as holes 82 in FIG. 4 for theinvention to work. In no way is magnet holder part 50 limited by thedimensions and materials specified herein. Right side 65 of magnetholder has an inside side and an outside side. It is the outside side ofright side 65 that is welded to the tape holder part 20 and it is theinside side of side 65 that is glued to the magnet 75.

[0031]FIG. 6 illustrates magnet 75. Preferably, magnet 75 is 0.387inches thick, 0.875 inches high and 1.875 inches long. Holes 87 areformed before production to accommodate screws 80. Holes 87 must line upand be the same size as holes 85 in FIG. 5 and holes 82 in FIG. 4 inorder to properly fasten magnet 75 to magnet holder 50 and tape holderpart 20 via screws 80. In no way is magnet 75 limited to the dimensionsof FIG. 6.

[0032] Now, the process for making the tape measure guide 10 will bedescribed. Magnets 75 with holes 87 are formed in a mass productionenvironment. Then, the right side 65 of magnet holder 50 is welded tothe left side 37 of tape holder part 20. Instead, the magnet holder 50can be welded to the right side 35 of tape holder part 20, but for thisexplanation, it will be assumed that the magnet holder 50 is welded tothe left side 37 of tape holder part 20. Then, the holes 85 in themagnet holder and the holes 82 in the tape holder part are drilled andtapped. The combination of magnet holder 50 welded to tape holder part20 is then sandblasted to clean the parts. Masking tape is then placedon the inside side of right side 65 of magnet holder 50. This is becausethis inside side of side 65 of magnet holder 50 will later be glued tothe magnet 75 and it is preferred that this inside side of right side 65is not painted before the glueing. This is because painting the surfacesused for glueing may provide a poorer bond than of the glued surfacesare not painted. Then, the combination magnet holder 50 welded to thetape holder part 20 is painted, preferably by spray paint. After thepainting, the masking tape is removed from the inside surface of rightside 65 of magnet holder 50. Glue is applied to the inside surface ofright side 65 of magnet holder 50 and to one side of the magnet 75.Then, the magnet 75 is attached to the magnet holder 50 so that theholes 87 line up with the holes 85 and 82. Lastly, the screws 80 areinserted into the holes 87 of magnet 75, the holes 85 of the magnetholder 50 and holes 82 of the tape holder part 20 thereby completing theconstruction process. The above described process for making tapemeasure holder 10 is the preferred process but in no way is the only wayto build the tape measure holder 10.

[0033] Turning to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 illustrates the one use for a pluralityof tape measure holders for measuring a vertical distance along ametallic pipe. As illustrated in FIG. 7, pipe 110 runs up and down in aroom. A plurality of tape measure holders 10 are attached to pipe 110.It is the magnet 75 in magnet holder 50 that is stuck onto the pipe 110.Then, tape 90 is inserted into the slits 45 of tape holder part 20 oftape measure guide 10 to measure a distance in the vertical direction.Because of the presence of the plurality of tape measure holders 10stuck to pipe 110, a vertical measurement can more easily be made,especially if there is only one person present to make the measurement.

[0034]FIG. 8 illustrates another use for a plurality of tape measureholders 10. In FIG. 8, there is a horizontal beam 120 that runs across aceiling. As in FIG. 7, the tape measure holders are placed on thehorizontal beam 120 by attaching the magnet 75 of each tape measureholder I 0 to the beam 120. After the tape measure holders 10 areattached to the beam 120, the user inserts measuring tape 90 into slit45 of each tape measure holder 10 to make the measurement. Since themagnet 75 and the magnet holder 50 are attached to an exterior surfaceof the tape holder part 20 that is adjacent to and not opposite to theexterior surface bearing the slit 45, the tape 90 will not fall outthrough slit 45 in the arrangement of FIG. 8 when a measurement is beingmade. This is because the slit 45 is facing sideways and not down,preventing the tape 90 from inadvertently falling out through slit 45during the measurement. By using the tape measure holder 10 in thestrategic manner as illustrated in FIG. 8, a single person can much moreeasily make measurements along a ceiling with a tape measure.

[0035] It is to be appreciated that tape measure holder 10 is notlimited in any way by the uses illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Tapemeasure holder 10 is an all position tool capable of making tape measuremeasurements easier in all directions.

[0036] It is to be appreciated that the present holder enables easysecuring of a tape measure at a middle portion of the measuring tapewhen a measurement is taking place without requiring the user to feedthrough the entire tape into each holder. The holder secures a middle orin between portion of the tape in place making it easier to make bigmeasurements in any direction using a tape measure. As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, many holders may be used in making a measurement using atape measure, especially if the distance being measured is very large.

[0037] It is noted that the present invention is not limited to thepreferred embodiment described above, and it is apparent that variationsand modifications by those skilled in the art can be effected within thespirit and scope of the present invention defined in the appendedclaims.

1. A measuring tape holding apparatus, comprising: a tube having arectangular cross-section, wherein said tube is closed except for anarrow slit extending a length of said tube; and a magnet attached to anexterior surface of said tube.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a U-shaped piece attached to an exterior surface of said tubewherein an open portion of said U-shaped piece faces away from saidtube, said magnet being disposed within said U-shaped piece.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, said tube having four exterior surfaces, whereinone of said four exterior surfaces having said slit parallel to an axisof said tube and running an entire length of said tube.
 4. The apparatusof claim 2, said tube having four exterior surfaces, wherein one of saidfour exterior surfaces having said slit parallel to an axis of said tubeand running an entire length of said tube, said U-shaped piece beingattached to one of said four exterior surfaces and not to said exteriorsurface bearing said slit.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, said slitdividing one of said four exterior surfaces in half.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 3, said four exterior surfaces being flat.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 3, said tube having four flat interior surfaces.
 8. The apparatusof claim 3, said length of said tube being two inches, said slit beingless than 0.5 inches wide and each of said four exterior surfaces beinggreater than one inch wide.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4, said U-shapedpiece being attached to one of said four exterior surfaces of said tubethat is adjacent to said exterior surface having said slit.
 10. Anapparatus for holding a middle portion of a measuring tape, comprising:a section of a hollow metal tube having a rectangular cross sectionhaving an open section, said tube having four exterior surfaces, whereinone of said four exterior surfaces is divided by a gap serving as saidopen section, said gap extending an entire length of said section oftube, said gap running parallel to an axis of said tube; and a magnetattached to one of said four exterior surfaces, said magnet attached toan exterior surface that is adjacent to said exterior surface divided bysaid gap.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, said gap having a width that isa small fraction of a length of said section of said tube.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 10, said gap having a width that is a small fractionof a width of each of said four exterior surfaces, said width of each ofsaid four exterior surfaces being perpendicular to a length of saidsection of tube.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, said gap having a widththat is a small fraction of a length of said section of said tube. 14.The apparatus of claim 10, said gap being at least 0.25 inches wide,said tube, said tube having four flat interior surfaces, each of saidfour interior surfaces being at least one inch wide.
 15. The apparatusof claim 12, further comprising a U-shaped piece attached to one of saidfour exterior surfaces of said tube, said U-shaped piece being open in adirection away from said tube, said magnet being disposed within saidU-shaped piece.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, said tube furthercomprising four flat interior surfaces, wherein one of said fourinterior surfaces being divided by said gap extending an entire lengthof said tube.
 17. A measuring tape holding apparatus, comprising: asection of a hollow tube, said section having open end portions, saidsection having a slit running an entire length of said section from afirst end to a second end; and a magnet disposed on an exterior of saidsection of a hollow tube.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, said magnetbeing disposed near said slit but not covering said slit.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, said magnet being permanently attached to saidsection of said hollow tube.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, said slitbeing at least 0.25 inches wide said section of said hollow tube beingno more than 3 inches long.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1, said tubehaving four exterior surfaces, said magnet covering almost all of saidexterior surface the magnet is attached to.
 22. The apparatus of claim2, said U-shaped piece covering nearly all of said exterior surface theU-shaped piece is attached to, said magnet covering a substantial areaof said U-shaped piece.
 23. The apparatus of claim 1, said tube beingrigid and not flexible.
 24. The apparatus of claim 17, the tube havingtwo open end portions, the size and shape of the open end portions beingequal.
 25. The apparatus of claim 17, said slit extending from one openend portion to another open end portion.
 26. The apparatus of claim 17,the magnet not being disposed on the exterior surface having the slitand not being disposed on an exterior surface opposite from the exteriorsurface having the slit.
 27. The apparatus of claim 17, said hollow tubehaving four exterior surfaces, the magnet covering a substantial portionof the exterior surface the magnet is disposed on.
 28. The apparatus ofclaim 15, said U-shaped piece covering most of said one exterior surfaceof said tube.
 29. The apparatus of claim 1, said magnet not covering anexterior surface divided by said slit, said magnet not being attached toan exterior surface directly opposite to the exterior surface having theslit.
 30. The apparatus of claim 1, said magnet being perforated by afirst hole, the side of the tube comprising the exterior surface themagnet is attached to being perforated by a second hole, said first holebeing aligned with said second hole.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30,further comprising a first screw extending through said first hole andthrough said second hole and fastening together said magnet to saidtube.
 32. The apparatus of claim 17, said magnet being perforated by afirst hole, the side of the tube with the exterior surface of said tubethe magnet is attached to being perforated by a second hole, said firsthole being aligned with said second hole.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32,further comprising a first screw extending through said first hole andthrough said second hole and fastening together said magnet to saidtube.
 34. The apparatus of claim 10, said magnet covering essentiallyall of said one of said four exterior surfaces of said tube.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 34, said magnet not being attached to said exteriorsurface of said tube that is divided by the slit, said magnet not beingattached to an exterior surface of said tube that is positioned directlyopposite to the exterior surface divided by the slit.
 36. The apparatusof claim 10, said magnet being perforated by a first hole, a side ofsaid tube that has said one of said four exterior surfaces that themagnet is attached to being perforated by a second hole, said first holebeing aligned to the second hole, the apparatus further comprising afirst screw extending through both said first hole and said second holeand binding together said hollow metal tube to said magnet.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 35, said magnet being perforated by a first hole, aside of said tube that has said magnet attached to being perforated by asecond hole, said first hole being aligned to the second hole, theapparatus further comprising a first screw extending through both saidfirst hole and said second hole and binding together said hollow metaltube to said magnet.